ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Refining Capacity of Crude Oil
The present refining capacity of Indian refineries is 253.92 Million Metric Tons Per Annum . As per the data compiled by Centre for High Technology , a technical wing of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas , the refining capacity of Indian refineries is projected to increase by about 56 MMTPA by the year 2028. Against the present refining capacity of 253.92 MMTPA, the domestic consumption of the petroleum products in the year 2022-23 was 223 MMTPA.
Based on the long term growth trends in consumption of Petrol and Diesel and various efforts of the Government towards energy transition, increasing adoption of Compressed Natural Gas , Bio fuels including Ethanol, Electric Vehicles , etc. as well as evolving consumer preferences, this capacity is likely to be adequate to meet projected demand.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Rameswar Teli, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Shri Mandaviya calls for exploring the possibility of recycling of dredging material
Government is aiming Sustainable development by turning ‘Waste into Wealth’ in the growth story of India: Shri Mandaviya
Minister of State for Shipping  Shri MansukhMandaviyatoday chaired a video conference, for recycling of dredging material with officials of Ministry of Shipping, Dredging Corporation of India, Indian Port Association, Inland Waterways Authority of India, Chairpersons of Major Port Trusts and experts of the sector.
Responding to the suggestions, Shri Mandaviya directed Dredging Corporation of India to explore the possibilities of recycling of dredging material on coastline as well as on riverine ports of India. Shri Mandaviya emphasised that recycling of dredged material should be implemented in a way that can reduce the dredging cost, as dredging is regular activity to maintain the course of waterway for safety and easiness of shipping traffic as well as discharge. He suggested private players to build a recycling model with cost effective logistics system to transport the dredging waste while keeping in the mind zero effect on environment.
Shri Mandaviya also added that Government of India is aiming sustainable development and by recycling the dredging waste into environment friendly commodities, it reinforces the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modi to turn ‘waste into wealth’ in the growth story of India.
President's Secretariat
President of India to Visit Uttar Pradesh on February 24 and 25
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, will visit Uttar Pradesh  on February 24 and 25, 2019.
On February 24, 2019, the President will inaugurate the Apollomedics Super Speciality Hospitals in Lucknow.
On February 25, 2019, the President will inaugurate the centenary celebrations of the DAV College, Kanpur as well as grace the alumni association conference and annual day function of the BNSD Inter College and Shiksha Niketan in Kanpur. He will also visit the Dhamma Kalyana Kanpur International Vipassana Meditation Centre where he will inaugurate its new block.
Ministry of Finance
Exchange Rate Notification No. 110/2020 - Customs 
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 , and in supersession of the Notification No.108/2020-Customs, dated 19th November, 2020 except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs hereby determines that the rate of exchange of conversion of each of the foreign currencies specified in column  of each of Schedule I and Schedule II annexed hereto, into Indian currency or vice versa, shall, with effect from 4th December, 2020, be the rate mentioned against it in the corresponding entry in column  thereof, for the purpose of the said section, relating to imported and export goods.
SCHEDULE-I
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Sl. No.
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Foreign Currency
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Rate of exchange of one unit of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
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1.
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Australian Dollar
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55.90
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53.55
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2.
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Bahraini Dinar
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202.15
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189.75
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3.
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Canadian Dollar
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58.15
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56.10
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4.
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Chinese Yuan
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11.45
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11.10
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5.
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Danish Kroner
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12.25
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11.80
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6.
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EURO
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91.10
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87.90
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7.
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Hong Kong Dollar
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9.70
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9.35
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8.
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Kuwaiti Dinar
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250.50
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234.85
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9.
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New Zealand Dollar
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53.50
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51.20
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10.
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Norwegian Kroner
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8.55
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8.25
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11.
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Pound Sterling
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100.55
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97.15
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12.
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Qatari Riyal
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20.95
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19.65
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13.
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Saudi Arabian Riyal
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20.30
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19.10
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14.
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Singapore Dollar
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56.15
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54.25
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15.
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South African Rand
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5.00
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4.65
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16.
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Swedish Kroner
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8.90
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8.55
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17.
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Swiss Franc
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84.25
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80.95
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18.
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Turkish Lira
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9.70
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9.10
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19.
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UAE Dirham
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20.75
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19.50
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20.
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US Dollar
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74.70
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73.00
SCHEDULE-II
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Sl. No.
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Foreign Currency
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Rate of exchange of 100 units of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
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1.
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Japanese Yen
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72.05
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69.35
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2.
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Korean Won
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6.95
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6.50
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah paid tribute to the revered Saint, Shri Ravidas ji, a symbol of harmony, on his birth anniversary
Sant Shri Ravidas ji showed the path of welfare of mankind by awakening spiritual consciousness in society with his thoughts and creations
His message of unity, equality and primacy of Karma will always guide us
The life of Sant Ravidas ji was dedicated to uniting society by giving equal rights and justice to every person
Under leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government is working continuously to raise the living standards of every section of society, by making them a partner in development, by realising thoughts of Sant Ravidas ji
Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah paid tribute to Saint Shri Ravidas ji on his birth anniversary. In his tweets, Shri Amit Shah said that “Sant Shri Ravidas ji showed the path of welfare of mankind by awakening spiritual consciousness in society with his thoughts and creations. His message of unity, equality and primacy of Karma will always guide us”.
Shri Shah said “The life of Sant Ravidas ji was dedicated to uniting society by giving equal rights and justice to every person. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government is working continuously to raise the living standards of every section, by making them a partner in development, by realising thoughts of Sant Ravidas ji”.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Prime Minister distributes 71,000 appointment letters at Rozgar Mela
Hardeep Singh Puri distributes certificates in Rozgar Mela Kapurthala
The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, distributed around 71,000 appointment letters to newly inducted recruits in Government departments and organizations on May 16, 2023, as part of the Rozgar Mela initiative. The event, held at 45 locations across the country, was aimed at generating employment opportunities and empowering the youth to participate in national development.
The newly inducted recruits, selected from across the country, will join various positions/posts in Central Government Departments, State Governments, and Union Territories. These positions include Gramin Dak Sevaks, Inspector of Posts, Commercial-cum-Ticket Clerk, Junior clerk-cum-Typist, Junior Accounts Clerk, Track Maintainer, Assistant Section Officer, Lower Division Clerk, Sub Divisional Officer, Tax Assistants, Assistant Enforcement Officer, Inspectors, Nursing Officers, Assistant Security Officers, Fireman, Assistant Accounts officer, Assistant Audit officer, Divisional Accountant, Auditor, Constable, Head Constable, Assistant Commandant, Principal, Trained Graduate Teacher, Assistant Registrar, Assistant Professor, among others.
The Prime Minister also addressed the appointees via video conferencing, congratulating them on their appointment and stressing the government's commitment to employment generation. "Our government is committed to providing meaningful employment opportunities to the youth, and the Rozgar Mela is a step towards fulfilling this commitment," he said.
Sh. Hardeep Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India, graced the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala as the chief guest for the Rozgar Mela and to personally hand over the letters of appointment. Expressing his admiration for the government's initiative, he emphasized the importance of empowering the youth by providing employment opportunities and enabling them to contribute to the nation's development. Congratulating the newly appointed recruits, he also took pride in India's skilled and dynamic workforce, led by a talented young generation that is the pride of our nation. "Let the world take note," he declared, "as India's economy soars high on their wings."
The newly inducted appointees will also get an opportunity to train themselves through Karmayogi Prarambh, an online orientation course for all new appointees in various Government departments.
The Rozgar Mela was a resounding success, and the government is committed to continuing its efforts towards employment generation and youth empowerment.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
One Nation - One Ration Card Scheme
To sustain the reforms brought in by scheme on ‘End to End Computerization of Targeted Public Distribution System  Operations’ the Department of Food & Public Distribution has launched a new scheme namely “Integrated Management of Public Distribution System ” for implementation during 2018-19 and 2019-20. The main objective of the scheme is to introduce nation-wide portability of ration card holders under National Food Security Act, 2013 , to lift their entitlement foodgrains from any FPS in the country without the need to obtain a new ration card, by integrating the existing PDS systems/portals of States/UTs with the Central systems/portals, etc.
Keeping in view the physical progress under ongoing scheme and readiness for implementation of National Portability in few States, it has been decided to implement inter-State/National Portability on a pilot basis in few States shortly. Further, as and when any State/UT achieve the readiness it will be added on the National Portability platform, i.e. Public Distribution System Network  to provide the benefit of national/inter-State portability to all ration card holders under NFSA. Presently NFSA provides the coverage for about 81.34 Crore persons across the country. State-wise statement showing coverage under NFSA is annexed.
This information was given in a written reply by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Danve Raosaheb Dadarao in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
AAI and Other Airport Developers have targeted capital outlay of Rs. 91000 crore for the development of airport sector
Upgradation/Modernisation of airports is a continuous process and is undertaken by Airports Authority of India  and other Airport Developers from time to time depending on the availability of land, commercial viability, socio-economic considerations, traffic demand/ willingness of airlines to operate to/from such airports. AAI and other Airport Developers have targeted capital outlay of approximately Rs. 91000 crore in airport sector in the next five years for expansion and modification of existing terminals, new terminals and strengthening of runways, among other activities.
Under the Greenfield Airports Policy-2008, Government of India has so far accorded 'in-principle' approval for setting up of 21 Greenfield Airports across the country namely Mopa in Goa, Navi Mumbai, Shirdi and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, Kalaburagi, Bijapur, Hassan and Shimoga in Karnataka, Datia  in Madhya Pradesh, Kushinagar and Noida  in Uttar Pradesh, Dholera and Hirasar in Gujarat, Karaikal in Puducherry, Dagadarthi, Bhogapuram and Oravakal in Andhra Pradesh, Durgapur in West Bengal, Pakyong in Sikkim, Kannur in Kerala and Hollongi  in Arunachal Pradesh. Out of these, eight airports namely Durgapur, Shirdi, Sindhudurg, Pakyong, Kannur, Kalaburagi, Oravakal and Kushinagar have been operationalized.
In Bihar, AAI had projected a land requirement of 108 acre for development of a Civil Enclave at Bihta Airport. The land  has already been handed over by the State Government of Bihar to AAI. However, AAI has projected an additional land requirement of 191.5 acre for runway extension & installation of approach light and 8 acre for city side development to accommodate wide bodied aircraft for international operations at the airport. The additional land at Bihta airport is yet to be handed over to AAI by the State Government. In case of non availability of land, the State Government needs to identify an alternate site for construction of a Greenfield airport meeting the requirements for operation of international flights.
This information was given by the Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
JNPT inducts nine Electric vehicles
In a major push under green port initiatives and with a vision to achieve sustainability goals, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust  today deployed 9 electric vehicles for its employees to travel within the port area. India’s premier container handling port, JNPT has been working towards adopting sustainable solutions in its operational area since its inception.
The induction of the EV fleet is in line with JNPT's green port initiative, and the deployment of eco-friendly mobility solutions for the JNPT employees is yet another addition to the port's host of sustainable, green initiatives. The e-vehicles are zero-emission vehicle that will enable JNPT transition to green and energy-efficient mobility solutions .JNPT has also operationalized a dedicated charging station for the newly inducted e-vehicle fleet.
JNPT persistently focuses on sustainability to minimize the impact of the port's operations on the environment and surrounding communities. The port not only aims to obtain economic efficiencies but also focuses on ecological and social stability. Industries across the world are incorporating climate change aspects to increase accountability towards an environmentally-conscious world. EVs offer a way lower cost of ownership as they are much easier for maintenance and reduce the dependency on fast depleting fossil fuels.
EAC-PM
EAC-PM releases a detailed analysis on robustness of India’s GDP estimation methodology
The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister today released a detailed notetitled ‘GDP estimation in India- Perspectives and Facts’. The note can be accessed at http://eacpm.gov.in/reports-papers/eac-reports-papers/.
The note provides a clear rationale for India’s switch to an improved GDP estimation methodology in January 2015. The new methodology that uses 2011-12 as the base year includes two major improvements, a) Incorporation of MCA21 database, and b) Incorporation of the Recommendations of System of National Accounts , 2008. This change was in line with other countries that have changed their methodologies in line with SNA 2008 and revised their respective GDP figures. On an average, real GDP estimates saw an increase of 0.7% among OECD countries.
As mentioned in EAC-PM’s press release dated 12 June 2019, the note also provides a point-to-point rebuttal to a recently published paper titled ‘India’s GDP Mis-estimation: Likelihood, Magnitudes, Mechanisms, and Implications’ by Dr.Arvind Subramanian. The primary contributors to the note, namely BibekDebroy, Rathin Roy, Surjit Bhalla, Charan Singh and Arvind Virmani reject Dr. Subramanian’smethodology, arguments and conclusions on the basis of academic merit and grasp of Indian realities. The note provides detailed evidence that indicates that Dr. Subramanian has cherry-picked a few indicators and performed a rather unconvincing regression analysis to prove his hypothesis that India’s GDP was over-estimated post 2011-12. For instance, the note highlights the absurdity in Dr. Subramanian’s paper that selectively ignores tax data based on the argument that the period post 2011-12 witnessed “major changes in direct and indirect taxes”. Interestingly, Mr. Subramanian’s analysis ends on 31st March 2017, while the only major tax change  was introduced on 1st July 2017. In totality, the note highlights eight clear points with supportive facts and arguments that debunk Dr. Subramanian’s paper in entirety.
The note concludes with the point that India’s GDP estimation methodology is by no means a perfect exercise and the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation is working on multiple aspects to improve the accuracy of economic data. However, the direction and pace of improvement is commendable and as of today India’s GDP estimation methodology is at par with its global standing as a responsible, transparent and well-managed economy. If anything, the weakness of Dr.Subramaniam’s attempt to suggest that the growth numbers are over-estimated confirms that the estimation process is robust to spurious criticism. Going forward, Indian National Income Accounting is bound to change for good and an important step in accomplishing that will involve criticism from experts and academics.But the country’s interests are not served by imparting sensationalism through negativity that questions the credibility of the system.
Ministry of Defence
Indian Naval Symphonic Orchestra - 2020
The Indian Naval Band captured the hearts and minds of the music enthusiasts during the Indian Naval Symphonic Orchestra held at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Lodhi road, New Delhi on 21 Feb 20. The world famous band, which in the recent past has performed at renowned military band festivals like Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Scotland, Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival at Moscow and Russian Federation Navy Day Parade at St. Petersburg, Russia, regaled and enthralled the audience with a wide range of repertoire of stirring Martial Music, arrangements of Western Classical, Indian Classical and other forms of contemporary popular and folk Music.
During the melodious evening the band related closely to the audience, incorporating varied choices like swing, waltz, movie theme, disco, funk, popular, and patriotic music, displaying their talent and keen professionalism. The Naval band had also participated in the recently conducted Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk on 29 Jan 20 with their upbeat compositions, intricate formations including a Sail boat. The band performed admirably under the baton of Commander VC D'Cruz, Director of Music , who is an alumnus of Pilar Music School, Goa and Trinity College of Music, London.
The musical evening was organised as part of the Navy Day Activities and was hosted by Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff. The Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Shri Anil Baijal graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
VM/ MS
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Special Service and Features
16th Agricultural Science Congress to Address Sustainable Development Goals
Kochi: September 13, 2023
The 16th Agricultural Science Congress  and Expo, to be held in Kochi from October 10-13, is poised to bring together a diverse community of stakeholders to deliberate on sustainable development goals . The event will serve as a global platform for leading academicians, researchers, students, farmers, and entrepreneurs to exchange insights and experiences, with the aim of charting a course towards realizing the United Nations' SDGs.
Regular delegate registration for the Congress will close on September 20. The deadline for abstract submissions for thesis presentations at the meet is midnight on Friday . The Congress is organised by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences , New Delhi, and hosted by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute .
A key highlight of the Congress will be the 'Farmers Meet', wherein successful agriculturalists, including Padma winners from different corners of the country, will share their journeys and strategies. This interactive session will also provide a platform for farmers to engage in in-depth discussions with renowned agricultural scientists and policymakers on issues and challenges they encounter.
Furthermore, an industry-scientist interface promises to be another significant draw, facilitating meaningful exchanges between industry experts and scientific innovators. This interface is expected to lead to collaborations that drive innovation and progress within the agricultural sector.
The Congress will witness the convergence of over 1500 delegates from India and abroad. It will feature an array of engaging sessions, including plenaries, special invited lectures by distinguished scientists, technical sessions, symposia, panel discussions, and student elocution contests. Topics will span a wide spectrum, encompassing critical subjects such as food and nutritional security, climate action in agri-food systems, emerging genetic technologies, livestock, horticulture, aquaculture and fisheries, nature-based solutions, next-gen technologies, and policies.
Alongside the main event, there will be an Agri Expo showcasing innovative agricultural technologies from both public and private sector research institutes, universities, agro-industries, extension agencies and NGOs.
For more information and registration details, visit the official website of the 16th Agricultural Science Congress .
Prime Minister's Office
PM wishes wildlife conservationists and enthusiasts on World Wildlife Day
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has wished wildlife conservationists and enthusiasts on the occasion of World Wildlife Day.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“On World Wildlife Day, best wishes to wildlife lovers and those working on wildlife conservation. Protecting animal habitats is a key priority for us and we have seen good results in that. The year gone by will always be remembered as the year we welcomed cheetahs to our nation!”
Ministry of Defence
Naval Dornier Aircraft Completes Aerial Survey – Extensive Devastation Observed Around Puri
The Naval Dornier Aircraft deployed to carry out aerial survey of Odisha to assess the impact of the Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘FANI’ crossing coast near Puri, observed extensive devastation to vegetation in many places around Puri. A large number of trees and electric poles were found uprooted creating road blocks in the city limits of Puri. Roof top of Puri Railway Station was found to be blow off. Large scale water inundation was observed in many, particularly in low lying areas between Puri and Chilka Lake. The Dornier crew observed very strong winds of nearly 50 knots during the sortie. The footage of the aerial survey is being shared with the State Administration officials for planning relief and rehabilitation activitie.